A group of women from the Fermanagh area have come together to organise a special charity event for hope and peace at Necarne Castle, Irvinestown, on the 28th December at 11am.

The initiative is led by Enniskillen woman Terri McCanny, the walk will give people an opportunity to demonstrate their personal commitment to peace and show solidarity with families and children affected by war and conflict across the world.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "It is a coming together of people and their families from all backgrounds and communities to stand up now and make love louder than hate."

Speaking ahead of the event, Terri McCanny said “We have all been heart-broken at the images of war and violence that we are seeing on TV and social media, especially where it is affecting women, children and families. We wanted to come together to do something to raise funds to help as well as meet in that post-Christmas period to show our support for those affected by conflict.

"The theme of our event is based on the song ‘You’ll Never Be the Sun.... But you will be the Light’. We chose this theme because we believe we all have a role to play to grow peace in our hearts through our actions and, when dark clouds gather, together, we can be the light. This walk will give people an opportunity to demonstrate their personal commitment to peace during the Christmas season and beyond.

"It will also raise much-needed funds for UNICEF UK which works to build a better world for every child, where they have the chance to fulfil their potential and grow up healthy and safe. They work in 190 countries and territories around the world, reaching more children than any other humanitarian organisation. We would encourage as many people as possible to come along on the day where there will also be music and refreshments provided and if you can’t attend please consider donating in support of UNICEF UK via the Justgiving page."

This event is fully inclusive, non-faith based and apolitical and the only branding/banners/flags allowed on the day will bear the event logo only.

Registration for the Walk For Hope And Peace is available via https://tinyurl.com/553ftyyx with details on donations. More information is available via Instagram on the @standupnowni account.